The Tigers Attack: Clemson’s 2015 Football OutlookAnalyzed Sports

The Tigers Attack: Clemson’s 2015 Football Outlook

Dabo Swinney has led the Tigers to a 61–26 (70.1%) as the head coach of the team in Death Valley. The Clemson Tigers look to strike on their prey this upcoming 2015 season. The biggest hole for Clemson is trying to replace many players from a defensive unit that was top-notch in the nation last year. The Tigers led the nation in total defense last season.

Vic Beasley was a high draft pick and now plays ball for the Atlanta Falcons. Stephone Anthony and Robert Smith are out of eligibility, who were pass-rusher specialists. All-ACC performers Grady Jarrett and Garry Peters are also gone. Junior linebacker Ben Boulware and defensive lineman Shaq Lawson will fill holes left by those great players. Christian Wilkins, a five-star player, also will contribute to give more push up front. A bright spot is the secondary. It has less rebuilding to than any other position on the roster. Returning are starters at corner-back and safety in Mackensie Alexander and Jayron Kearse. Clemson ranked second in the country in pass defense last season.

Swinney recognizes there might be a drop-off on defense from 2014, but he still believes in the potential of the 2015 group. Clemson has won an underrated 32 games in the past three seasons, but they can’t get pass the hurdle of being a traditional power. The ACC Atlantic has been owned by Florida State lately, although, Clemson has been the most challenge to the Seminoles over these last few seasons.

The Seminoles have enough talent on the roster to reload, but for the first time in a while they don’t seem to be the clear favorite of the entire conference as a whole. This will bode well for Clemson in hopes to take back the ACC crown in the upcoming football season. The 2015 schedule falls almost perfect for Clemson. Heading into the season some big match-ups for the Tiger will be against the Florida State Seminoles, Notre Dame and Georgia Tech. The Tigers will have the luxury of playing all those tough opponents at home in the legendary Death Valley.

Another big test is ACC new comer and raising power in its own right Louisville Cardinals. Clemson has a daunting road test Week 3 at Papa John’s Stadium against the Boys in red and black. An undefeated team would be in the playoff, but a one-loss ACC champion would have to make the conversation of playoff contenders.

The Clemson Tigers have all the right ingredients of a championship-caliber team in 2015. In 2015, it’s all about Deshaun Watson. Watson allows Clemson to have a top flight quarterback offense even if the running game doesn’t improve. Without Deshaun Watson, the Tigers will have to rely on former walk-on Nick Schuessler as likely to start, which is not good for Clemson. The supporting cast will need to raise its game in order for Clemson to be a championship contender too. The running game will be vital in the success for the Tigers, as the running attack for lacking last season. This could be the season the Tigers finally put it all together. If they do, you’ll see Clemson playing in a semifinal game on New Year’s Day in 2016.